st
Cuchulain should cast at her that day.

[1-1] YBL. 2040.

[2-2] YBL. 2043.

[3-3] LU. and YBL. 2045.

[4-4] LU. and YBL. 2046.

[5-5] LU. and YBL. 2050.

Then it was that the maidens [6]of Connacht[6] besought the men of Erin to
lift them up on the flat of the shields above the warriors' shoulders;
[7]and the women [8]of Munster[8] clomb on the men[7] to behold the aspect
of [W.2746.] Cuchulain. For they marvelled at the beautiful, comely
appearance he showed them that day compared with the low, arrogant shape of
magic in which they had seen him the night before.

[6-6] LU. and YBL. 1205.

[7-7] LU. and YBL. 2052.

[8-8] YBL, added later above the line.

* * * * *

[Page 198]

XVIId

DUBTHACH'S JEALOUSY[a]

[W.2749.] [1]And Dubthach's wife prayed to be lifted to regard the form of
Cuchulain.[1] Then it was that jealousy, ill-will and envy possessed
Dubthach Doel ('the Black-tongue')[b] of Ulster because of his wife [2]in
regard to Cuchulain; for he saw his wife climb on the men to get a glimpse
of Cuchulain;[2] and he counselled the hosts to act treacherously towards
Cuchulain and to entrap him, even to lay up an ambush around him on all
sides to the end that he might fall by them. And he spake these words:--

"If this be the Twisted one,
By him shall men's bodies fall;
Shrieks there shall be round the liss;
Deeds to tell of shall be wrought!

"Stones shall be on graves from him;
Kingly martyrs shall increase.
Not well have ye battle found
On the slopes with this wild Hound!

[3]"If this be the Twisted one,
Men shall soon be slain by him;
'Neath his feet shall corpses lie;
Under bushes mantles white![3]

"Now the Wildman's form I see,
Nine[c] heads dangling by his side;
Shattered spoils he has, behold;
Ten[d] heads as his treasure great!

[W.2766.] "And your women, too, I see,
Raise their heads above the lines;
I behold your puissant queen
Makes no move t'engage in fight!

"Were it mine to give advice,
Men would be on every side,
That they soon might end his life;
If this be the Twisted one!"

[a] This superscription is not found in the MSS.

[1-1] Eg. 93.

[b] Literally, 'the Chafer (or Scorpion?).'

[2-2] Stowe.

[3-3] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.

[c] 'Eight,' LU. and YBL. 2060.

[d]